One big advantage of being in the Apple ecosystem is that all the gadgets work nicely together. But what if you like the iPhone but cannot stand the Mac? Soon, a Dell laptop might become a decent replacement for the Mac, even for iPhone owners.
On Thursday, the company announced that an update to its Dell Mobile Connect software will allow iPhone users to mirror iOS apps and transfer files to and from Dell devices.
This will work on Dell's XPS, Inspiron, Vostro, Alienware, and G Series, following an update that is coming this spring. Note that Dell Mobile Connect, which has been available since 2018, already offers similar functionality for Android phones (see video below).
To get this functionality on your iPhone, you'll have to download the free Dell Mobile Connect app from Apple's App Store. It currently allows you to send and receive text messages, initiate and answer phone calls, get notifications, and browse through your iPhone's contact book from your laptop. The app mirroring and file transferring functionality isn't there yet.
These upcoming features might not lure Apple users to switch from Mac to Dell en masse, but for someone that has an iPhone and is choosing between a MacBook and a Dell XPS it could mean all the difference.
The Verge notes that Dell Mobile Connect only allows for transferring photos and videos, and, presumably, it'll stay that way when the new features launch. It's unfortunate but hey, it's better than nothing.
